Walcott could get his chance upfront after his return from injury (Picture: Reuters)

One player more than the rest expressed his delight at Arsenal signing Alexis Sanchez. Theo Walcott was especially excited at the prospect of the Chile international joining the Gunners – and there may be good reason to that.

It is exciting times at Arsenal with Arsene Wenger’s long-term plan for the club beginning to pay dividends, but for Walcott the Sanchez signing could finally see him be given a prolonged spell as the club’s main striker.

Since signing in 2006 at the age of 16 appearing to be Thierry Henry’s protégé Walcott has been on the receiving end of a fair amount of abuse while playing out wide on the right wing, but now aged 25 he could finally be ready to make the step up into Henry’s shoes.

Initially Wenger said he was deploying Walcott out on the right wing to utilise his pace while he gained experience, but while the Frenchman has continued with Walcott out wide it is clear to see he may never realise his potential he once had.

The arrival of Sanchez would appear to push Walcott to the sidelines as both play in a similar position, which could mean Walcott could be used as an option upfront or that he could simply be replaced in the team, though that would seem unlikely.

Walcott only signed a new three-and-a-half year contract in January 2013 worth £100,000 which with two years remaining on it would mean it would be very pricey for Wenger just to leave him on the bench.

While negotiating his new contract Walcott expressed his desire to be given a chance leading the line.

During the 2012/13 season Walcott showed glimpses of what he can do if given a chance (Picture: AP Photo)

During the negotiations Wenger gave the England international a chance upfront during which time he showed some inconsistent form.

He scored a sublime hat-trick against Newcastle at the Emirates but appeared to be ineffective away against former club Southampton.

This may highlight Wenger’s plan as Walcott would offer something none of his other strikers can.

Olivier Giroud and Yaya Sanogo may have more strength and aerial ability than Walcott but his pace as well as accomplished finishing ability set him apart.

In the 2012-13 campaign, largely due to his period of playing upfront, Walcott ended the season as the club’s top goalscorer with 21 goals from 43 appearances showing glimpses of his early promise.

During the last season too, despite struggling with injuries he showed in the games away against Manchester City and at home to Tottenham in the FA Cup that he can turn it on up top against the big teams scoring two at the Etihad while running Spurs ragged before being forced off injured.

Most thought Arsenal needed a striker first and foremost during this transfer window yet it may well work out that the answer was right in front of Wenger’s eyes.